Skinny Skis hosted its annual Avalanche Awareness Night at Jackson, Wyoming’s Center for the Arts on December 1, 2016. The Nordic and backcountry ski shop has been in business for 42 years, and has been hosting this event for 17 years.
The multi-faceted event includes fundraising for Teton County Search and Rescue, and the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Forecast Center; educational presentations from local and national avalanche and backcountry recreation experts; information tables from brand reps and nonprofit agencies; plus a raffle, food and drinks. Entry fees benefit Teton County SAR, and the raffle proceeds benefit the BTNF avalanche Center.
Approximately 450 people attended, and more than $2,000 was raised for Teton County Search and Rescue and more than $3,500 for the Brigder-Teton Avy Forecast Center.
Speakers represented such entities as Teton County Search and Rescue, the BTNF Avalanche Forecast Center, WYDOT, Friends of Pathways, and the USFS. Here’s a look at some schedule highlights, for anyone interested in attending the 18th Avalanche Awareness Night:
Jim Springer was the Master of Ceremonies this year. He works for the Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center in the winter and as a Climbing Ranger for Grand Teton National Park in the summer.
This year’s presentation lineup consisted of:
- Sarah Carpenter (pictured) – American Avalanche Institute “The Early Season Snowpack”
- Jay Pistono – Teton Pass Ambassador, “Teton Pass Update & Considerations”
- Mike Rheam – Bridger-Teton Avalanche Forecast Center, “New Developments with the Lab and Hotline”
- AJ Wheeler, MD – Teton County Search & Rescue, #dontknowdontgo: Review of JHMR backcountry gate statistics and BC Zero programs”
- Jamie Yount – Meteorologist & Avalanche Technician,WYDOT, “The Winter Forecast”
- Keynote Speaker: David Page
- Condition Orange: Risk Assessment and Situational Awareness in Avalanche Terrain
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